McIlroy stirs up Ryder Cup debate

Story highlights

Rory McIlroy says Colin Montgomerie should not return as European Ryder Cup captain

World No. 1 backs Irishman Paul McGinley to step up from vice-captaincy role

The 23-year-old Northern Irishman says the skipper's job should be a "one-time thing"

European captain will be named on Tuesday ahead of Abu Dhabi tournament

While the sporting world awaits confirmation of his mega-money new sponsorship deal with Nike, Rory McIlroy has deflected attention to one of the other big stories on golf's horizon this week -- the naming of the next European Ryder Cup captain.

The world No. 1 was part of last year's winning team, famously triumphing in his final-day singles match after needing a police escort to get to the Medinah course on time.

Jose Maria Olazabal stood down after guiding the Europeans to a remarkable come-from-behind win over the U.S. -- and his assistants Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley were initially frontrunners for the 2014 role at Gleneagles in Scotland.

Since then Colin Montgomerie has been widely tipped to repeat his 2010 role, when Europe won at Celtic Manor, and the eight-time European Tour money list winner confirmed last week that he would be interested in the leading the team in his home country.

Great sporting rivalries 14 photos

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Best buddies? – Tiger Woods, right, congratulates Rory McIlroy after Europe's remarkable victory over the U.S. on the final day of the 2012 Ryder Cup in September. The two are big rivals on the golf course, but a friendship has also blossomed this year.

Hide Caption

1 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Too close? – Golf great Nick Faldo has questioned whether they should be so close. Sports psychologist Dan Abrahams says they would benefit from keeping a bit of distance. "In the heat of battle it becomes more difficult to emotionally detach yourself from that person's performance if you're good friends with that person," he told CNN.

Hide Caption

2 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Beating your idol – McIlroy has admitted idolizing Woods as a boy, but has now usurped him as golf's No. 1. "Once they step on the first tee, those competitive juices are flowing and they're focused either on their own game or beating each other," Abrahams said.

Hide Caption

3 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Nicklaus vs. Palmer – They are following in golf's great tradition of rivalries -- most notably Jack Nicklaus, left, and Arnold Palmer. "The power of the mind and the capability of that mental discipline is what separates the good from the great," sports leadership expert Khoi Tu told CNN. "That might allow them to become friends with people off the course, but not on the course."

Hide Caption

4 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Prost vs. Senna – Formula One's greatest rivalry was between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna. "They absolutely detested each other," Tu says. "They were two very different personalities, and often that's one of the features of great sporting rivalries: Fire and ice."

Hide Caption

5 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Alonso vs. Vettel – Fernando Alonso, left, has now twice been beaten to the F1 championship by Sebastian Vettel -- who is widely rumored to be his teammate at Ferrari come 2014. "When you get two No. 1 drivers together with no team rules, then the sparks can really fly," Tu says. "It's rare for them to be good mates. They may get along, they may trust and respect each other in a professional capacity, but hanging out is a different issue."

Hide Caption

6 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

F1 friendly – Former world champion Jackie Stewart, seen here playing with the children of F1 rival Graham Hill, was remarkably friendly with his peers, Tu says. "He was incredibly fond of a number of people who drove with him. That partly is because there was a clearer distinction of him being a number one and them being number two drivers."

Hide Caption

7 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Murray vs. Djokovic – A new rivalry has grown in tennis this year between U.S. Open and Olympic champion Andy Murray, left, and childhood friend Novak Djokovic, the world No. 1. "People say that Murray and Djokovic are close but I think it's rare," Tu says. "The best sporting rivalries are the ones where there are these very distinct, almost opposite personalities, but they're very close in terms of their competence."

Hide Caption

8 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Nadal vs. Federer – Rafael Nadal, left, ended the tennis dominance of Roger Federer but they have publicly expressed their friendship despite reports of arguments about on-tour issues. "As people get older they've done so much, broken lots of records, I think that competitive edge is slightly dulled," Tu says. "That makes it easier to be friendlier. You can keep your dignity if you're not crying every time you lose to a younger, faster athlete."

Hide Caption

9 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Navratilova vs. Evert – Martina Navratilova, left, and Chris Evert had one of the biggest rivalries in women's tennis. "They ended up as good buddies, but that was when the battling had been done," Tu says. "All of the respect and friendship you get in sport comes through competence first -- ' I know how hard it is to be this good, so I respect them for that.' "

Hide Caption

10 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

McEnroe vs. Borg – Fiery American John McEnroe, left, and ice-cool Swede Bjorn Borg created an iconic tennis rivalry. "When those two collided, at the height of tennis perfection, that's when the audience is really enthused and enthralled," Tu says. "To get that rivalry, they have to leave any friendship on the sidelines."

Hide Caption

11 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Serena vs. Venus – Sometimes you get two great athletes, but they are too close to be proper rivals -- such as tennis star Serena Williams, left, and her sister Venus. "The great things about sport is the sense of competition, the uncertainty of the outcome, the fairness of the playing field," Tu says. "You might be able to suspend enough of your fraternal or sisterly love to play a decent game of tennis but it won't reach the heights of the rivalries that make the sport."

Hide Caption

12 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Ali vs. Frazier – Muhammad Ali, left, "demonized" Joe Frazier to hype up their fights despite being showed respect outside the ring by his rival. "He came up with the gorilla term to create a spectacle, which he knew was important, but it revved himself up too," Tu says. "He needed to have a real enemy. By the end of the (Manila) fight, he said that Frazier brought out the best of him."

Hide Caption

13 of 14

Great sporting rivalries14 photos

Messi vs. Ronaldo – Then there's modern football's greatest rivalry -- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. "I'm not sure Messi is a rival with anyone, he still has that unique joy of just playing," Tu says. "But I think with Ronaldo, the truth is Messi is his nemesis -- and the fact that Messi doesn't care makes it even worse."

Hide Caption

14 of 14

EXPAND GALLERY

PGA Tour's 2013 opener hit by winds 6 photos

PGA Tour's 2013 opener hit by winds6 photos

Joy for Johnson – Dustin Johnson won the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii after finishing 16-under-par at the reduced three-round event on Monday. Play was abandoned the previous three days due to high winds.

Hide Caption

1 of 6

PGA Tour's 2013 opener hit by winds6 photos

Blowing Bubba – Masters champion Bubba Watson pretends to tee off as his caddy Ted Scott holds a finger on the ball to keep it from blowing away during Sunday's delayed opening round of the Tournament of Champions.

Hide Caption

2 of 6

PGA Tour's 2013 opener hit by winds6 photos

Beljan's battle – Charlie Beljan leans into the wind after taking a rehit on a tee shot on Sunday, when play was called off for the third day in a row in the PGA Tour's season-opening event.

Hide Caption

3 of 6

PGA Tour's 2013 opener hit by winds6 photos

Wind up – Winds reached almost 50 miles per hour at the Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii.

Hide Caption

4 of 6

PGA Tour's 2013 opener hit by winds6 photos

A long weekend – Scott Stallings shields himself from the wind and rain as he attempts to putt on the second hole green on Friday.

Hide Caption

5 of 6

PGA Tour's 2013 opener hit by winds6 photos

Tuesday finish – The $5.7 million tournament, which features 30 winners from the 2012 season, has been put back to a Tuesday finish with only 54 of the 72 holes potentially to be played.

Hide Caption

6 of 6

EXPAND GALLERY

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater 13 photos

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater13 photos

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater – With his trademark victory cigar in one hand, Miguel Angel Jimenez poses with the trophy in the other after winning his home Spanish Open for the first time on May 18, 2014. Having passed 50, he is the European Tour's oldest victor.

Hide Caption

1 of 13

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater13 photos

On the mend – Jimenez spent the first four months of 2013 in the gym undergoing a rehabilitation program after suffering a broken leg in a skiing accident. The Spaniard underwent surgery after breaking the tibia at the top of his right leg.

Hide Caption

2 of 13

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater13 photos

Chilling out – Food and drink are just two of Jimenez's passions in life -- along with his trusty cigar.

Hide Caption

3 of 13

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater13 photos

On track – Another love of Jimenez's is his Ferrari -- he might be laid back but the need for speed still gives him a thrill.

Hide Caption

4 of 13

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater13 photos

Hong Kong celebrations – Jimenez celebrates with a glass of red wine and a cigar after claiming victory at the 2012 Hong Kong Open. He would return a year later to successfully defend his title -- his fourth success at the tournament.

Glory days – Jimenez won five tournaments in 2004, the last of which was the BMW International Open in Munich, Germany.

Hide Caption

11 of 13

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater13 photos

Spanish soil – In 1997 Jimenez was assistant to team captain Seve Ballesteros as Europe retained the Ryder Cup at Spain's Valderrama Golf Club -- the first time it had been played outside of the U.S. and the UK.

Hide Caption

12 of 13

Jimenez: Golf's great celebrater13 photos

Dutch destiny – His 1994 triumph at the Dutch Open was his second of 21 titles so far on the European Tour, having won his first in Belgium two years earlier.

"I thought it was between Darren and Paul until Darren said something, then my name was mentioned," Montgomerie said ahead of the Volvo Champions event in South Africa, where he finished 18 shots behind Sunday's victor Louis Oosthuizen.

"I've never canvassed, as I didn't last time. I've not spoken to anybody about this. But I've always felt that if I was asked I would do it and that's still the case."

However, McIlroy -- who played under Montgomerie -- has firm opinions about who should be captain.

"Ryder Cup captaincy should be a 1-time thing," the Northern Irishman said on his Twitter page.

"Everybody deserving gets their chance and moves on. Would love to play under Paul McGinley in '14."

Bernard Gallacher, the last man to captain Europe more than once, agreed that Montgomerie should not return.

"Colin said himself, when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, he intends to compete on the American seniors tour the moment he turns 50 this summer," the 63-year-old, who was skipper in 1991, '93 and '95, told the Scottish Daily Record newspaper.

"So he will very quickly become out of touch with the players on the main tour. What message would that send to the other worthy candidates who are queuing up for the job, having earned their right to the captaincy just as much as Colin?"

Paul Lawrie, who tied for seventh at Durban Country Club on Sunday, has also spoken out against the chances of his compatriot Montgomerie.

China's crazy fantasy golf course 11 photos

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Noodle delight – One of the signatures holes on a new fantasy course at Mission Hills in China will see players attempt to hit a green surrounded by a noodle-style hazard complete with chopsticks.

Hide Caption

1 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Testing target – A view from the tee of the shot facing the golfer on the chopsticks and noodles hole.

Hide Caption

2 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Another brick in the Wall – The Great Wall of China hole will provide a challenge with a difference for the golfers who play the new course.

Hide Caption

3 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Wall chart – A sketch of the design work behind a hole on the course, in which a mock-up of the Great Wall of China is threaded throughout its entire length.

Hide Caption

4 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Mayan magic – A par 5 on the new course is dedicated to the ancient Mayan civilization, but golfers will have their work cut out if they stray off the fairway.

Hide Caption

5 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Panda power – One of the holes is dedicated to the most popular animal in China, the giant panda, and this sketch illustrates the design features.

Hide Caption

6 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Panda-monium – Work is well under way on the hole named "Panda-monium" ahead of the course opening in 2014.

Hide Caption

7 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Olympics remembered – The Birds Nest Stadium which hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics is the inspiration for one of the greens on the new course.

Hide Caption

8 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Mission impossible? – This year the Mission Hills group hosted a World Golf Championship tournament, the HSBC Champions, on a bunker-laden course at its Shenzhen complex designed by former Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal. Ian Poulter is seen here on his way to winning the title.

Hide Caption

9 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Sawgrass signature – Conventional golf tests such as the daunting 17th island hole at TPC Sawgrass in Florida often rely on water to provide the challenge with a small green to aim at.

Hide Caption

10 of 11

China's crazy fantasy golf course11 photos

Golfing president – President Barack Obama, his wife Michelle and daughter Sasha tried their hand at mini golf on a holiday in Florida in 2010.

Hide Caption

11 of 11

EXPAND GALLERY

McIlroy on top of the world 8 photos

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

Icing on the cake – Rory McIlroy capped a sensational year with victory at the Dubai World Championship on Sunday. The Northern Irishman won five tournaments in 2012, including his second major, topped the money list on both the PGA and European Tours and ended the season as the world's No. 1 player.

Hide Caption

1 of 8

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

Streets ahead – After a solid start to the season McIlroy's year took off with victory at the Honda Classic in March. By holding off a chasing pack that included Tiger Woods and Keegan Bradley, the 23-year-old became world No. 1 for the first time in his career.

Hide Caption

2 of 8

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

Major success – After a mid-season slump, McIlroy roared back to form with an eight-shot victory at the PGA Championship to seal his second major triumph. It was the biggest winning margin in majors history, as he took the record from Jack Nicklaus -- the game's greatest ever player.

Hide Caption

3 of 8

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

The real deal – McIlroy was almost unstoppable now as he secured victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship to take the lead in the PGA Tour's Fed Ex Cup -- the finale to their regular season.

Hide Caption

4 of 8

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

Cooking on gas – The following week the 23-year-old was in the winner's circle again, this time taking top honors at the BMW Championship. He became the first player to record back to back victories on the PGA Tour since Tiger Woods in 2009.

Hide Caption

5 of 8

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

Taming Tiger – McIlroy's friendship with Tiger Woods blossomed during the 2012 season. The two even took each other on at an exhibition tournament in China in front of a huge crowd. McIlroy won by one shot. Both players reportedly shared $3 million for taking part.

Hide Caption

6 of 8

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

Miracle of Medinah – If McIlroy was on song in the individual stakes, he more than played his part in Europe's stunning comeback to win the Ryder Cup at Medinah in Chicago. McIlroy nearly forfeited his singles match by missing the start due to confusion over time zones, but earned a vital point for his side by beating Keegan Bradley as Europe eventually came back from 10-6 down to win 14 1/2 to 13 1/2.

Hide Caption

7 of 8

McIlroy on top of the world8 photos

Lucky charm – McIlroy was watched every step of the way in Dubai by his girlfriend -- tennis star Caroline Wozniacki.

Hide Caption

8 of 8

EXPAND GALLERY

"He's had his go. One time job for me," the 1999 British Open champion wrote on Twitter.

However, fellow professional Henrik Stenson, who was on the committee that first appointed Montgomerie, said the 49-year-old might yet be picked again on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi.

"No-one would question his passion for the Ryder Cup and the effort he put into the captaincy in 2010 and I am sure he would do the same and maybe more this time around if he was to be asked. So that might be a possible scenario," the Swede told the Scotsman newspaper.

Olazabal, who finished joint last in the 33-man Volvo Champions tournament, said he would not be interested in taking the job again.

"First of all it's a lot of energy and time, a huge demand and the pressure is quite big," the Spaniard told the UK Press Association.

"Even if it was held in Spain again somewhere down the line I wouldn't do it. Monty has also done it and was successful too. If I was him I wouldn't do it again, but Monty is his own man.

"I am a strong believer that we have a generation of players that deserve the captaincy -- and some might miss out because there are just too many. I think it's right to give those guys a chance."

The debate, which comes ahead of this week's Abu Dhabi Championship featuring McIlroy and Tiger Woods, has taken some of the attention off Oosthuizen's remarkable come-from-behind victory in Durban.

Duel at Jinsha Lake 11 photos

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Golden Gong – Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods look on in amusement before banging a ceremonial gong to mark the start of their "Duel at Jinsha Lake."

Hide Caption

1 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Tiger Paw – Both McIlroy and Woods, pictured above, had their handprints immortalized in clay as a lavish ceremony featuring drum majorettes and fireworks preceded their clash in the Chinese city Zhengzhou.

Hide Caption

2 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Number One – World No. 1 McIlroy cannot keep a straight face as the players pose at the first green, ahead of a clash reported to be paying the pair a combined total of $2 million.

Hide Caption

3 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

"Barely-controlled chaos" – "The scene was barely-controlled chaos," wrote Sports Illustrated's Alan Shipnuck. "Some 3,000 fans streamed across the fairways, with soldiers locking arms in a human fence to keep the throngs off the greens."

Hide Caption

4 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

High Jinks – A course marshall practices kung fu as she awaits the golfers' arrival.

Hide Caption

5 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Firing Line – "On the tee boxes there were so many camera clicks it sounded like machine gun fire," Shipnuck wrote.

Hide Caption

6 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Model Display – Local golf fans talk with one of the models who inhabited the greens in their evening wear in scenes seldom seen on any golf course.

Hide Caption

7 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Water Hazard – Woods tries to maintain focus as a luxury boat passes by, with the clubhouse car park also boasting a collection of Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, Aston Martins and Maseratis.

Hide Caption

8 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Next Generation? – Young fans show their support for McIlroy and Woods in a country that is seen as the next great market for golf to conquer.

Hide Caption

9 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

On the Charge – McIlroy never trailed Woods after starting with a birdie, going on to card a five-under-par 67 -- one less than the world No. 2.

Hide Caption

10 of 11

Duel at Jinsha Lake11 photos

Job Done – McIlroy awaits his trophy on a day that coincided with the launch of the multi-million-dollar "Golf Villas" to be built around the Jinsha Lake course.

Hide Caption

11 of 11

EXPAND GALLERY

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup 144 photos

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Peter Hanson, center, and Francesco Molinari of Europe celebrate their team winning the 39th Ryder Cup on Sunday, September 30, in Medinah, Illinois. Europe produced the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history to defeat the United States and retain the trophy. See more of the best of CNN's photography.

Hide Caption

1 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Nicolas Colsaerts, left, celebrates with fans after Europe beat the United States on Sunday. The biennial competition pits the best pro golfers from the United States against their European counterparts.

Hide Caption

2 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – European team captain Jose Maria Olazabal holds the Ryder Cup at the closing ceremonies on Sunday.

Hide Caption

3 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer is mobbed by the European team after he made the winning putt on the 18th green on Sunday to cinch the Ryder Cup.

Hide Caption

4 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer of Europe celebrates making the decisive putt.

Hide Caption

5 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer sets up the final putt on the 18th green.

Hide Caption

6 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe celebrates after Martin Kaymer sinks his putt on the 18th green Sunday.

Hide Caption

7 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer putts on the final hole Sunday to secure Europe's win.

Hide Caption

8 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A U.S. fan high-fives Team Europe's fans after their Ryder Cup victory on Sunday.

Hide Caption

9 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe greets Tiger Woods on the 18th green after Europe defeated the United States 14.5 to 13.5 to retain the Ryder Cup.

Best of Ryder Cup – A European supporter watches the play during the singles matches on Sunday.

Hide Caption

12 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Justin Rose of Europe celebrates a birdie putt on the 18th green to defeat Phil Mickelson on Sunday.

Hide Caption

13 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Jason Dufner of the United States, left, shakes hands with Peter Hanson on the 18th green after Dufner defeated Hanson.

Hide Caption

14 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Davis Love III waits with some of his team on Sunday at the end of the singles matches.

Hide Caption

15 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe hits a shot from the rough on the 18th hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

16 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Europe's Francesco Molinari celebrates with his caddie, Jason Hempleman, on the 18th green Sunday after his match with Tiger Woods.

Hide Caption

17 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods waits on a hole during Sunday's singles matches.

Hide Caption

18 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Fans reach for a golf ball Sunday on the 17th green.

Hide Caption

19 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Steve Stricker of the United States reacts to a missed putt on the 17th green as Martin Kaymer of Europe looks on during Sunday's competition.

Hide Caption

20 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Jim Furyk of the United States lines up a putt with his caddie, Mike Cowan, on the 17th green.

Hide Caption

21 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Lee Westwood of Europe, left, shakes hands with Matt Kuchar on the 16th green after defeating him Sunday.

Hide Caption

22 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Steve Stricker of the United States lines up a putt on the 16th green during a match Sunday against Martin Kaymer of Germany.

Hide Caption

23 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the United States plays a bunker shot on the 14th hole on Sunday.

Hide Caption

24 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe hits from the drop zone Sunday on the 13th hole.

Hide Caption

25 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A message of support for Team Europe is written in the sky during the Sunday's single matches. The United States started the day with a seemingly insurmountable 10-6 lead.

Hide Caption

26 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Graeme McDowell of Europe crosses a bridge during the singles matches on Sunday.

Hide Caption

27 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A U.S. fan watches the matches on Sunday.

Hide Caption

28 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the United States hits his tee shot on the 13th hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

29 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe celebrates after saving bogey Sunday on the 13th green.

Hide Caption

30 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Martin Kaymer of Europe plays a bunker shot on the ninth hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

31 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Zach Johnson of the United States reacts to a shot on the ninth hole Sunday as Graeme McDowell, right, and his caddie, Ken Comboy, of Europe look on.

Hide Caption

32 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A U.S. team caddie wears patriotic shoes on Sunday.

Hide Caption

33 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe plays a bunker shot Sunday on the fourth hole.

Hide Caption

34 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe watches his tee shot on the third hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

35 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Fans watch the play on the first tee during the singles matches of the Ryder Cup on Sunday.

Hide Caption

36 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Bubba Watson of the United States, left, greets Luke Donald of Europe on the first tee Sunday in Medinah.

Hide Caption

37 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Bubba Watson of the United States watches his tee shot on the first hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

38 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A sea of fans crowds around the first tee near the clubhouse Sunday.

Hide Caption

39 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Luke Donald of Europe plays a bunker shot on the fifth hole on Sunday.

Hide Caption

40 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods of the United States watches from the fairway on the first hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

41 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Tim Finchem, from left, Jack Nicklaus and Jeff Sluman watch the action on the first tee Sunday.

Hide Caption

42 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the United States hits his tee shot on the first hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

43 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Europe lines up a shot with his caddie J.P. Fitzgerald on the third tee on Sunday.

Hide Caption

44 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Team USA Assistant Captain Fred Couples stirs up the crowd during play Sunday.

Hide Caption

45 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Luke Donald tees off from the first hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

46 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe celebrates after making a birdie on the first hole Sunday.

Hide Caption

47 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – European fans cheer at the start of the final day of play at the 39th Ryder Cup on Sunday.

Hide Caption

48 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley rallies U.S. fans on the first tee at the start of the day Sunday.

Hide Caption

49 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

05 ryder cup 0930 – Team USA fans cheer from the stands Sunday.

Hide Caption

50 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Former U.S. President George W. Bush shakes hands with Fred Couples, assistant captain of Team USA on Saturday, September 29.

Hide Caption

51 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Bush reaches to shake the hands of spectators at the tournament Saturday.

Hide Caption

52 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods of the United States scopes out a putt on the 17th hole during four-ball play Saturday.

Hide Caption

53 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Rory McIlroy laments a missed putt on the seventh hole during foursomes on Saturday.

Hide Caption

54 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Dustin Johnson of Team USA contemplates his next play on Saturday.

Hide Caption

55 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the United States waits in the fifth fairway with his caddie Paul Tesori on Saturday.

Hide Caption

56 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Team USA's Phil Mickelson, left, and Team Europe's Lee Westwood of England study the fifth green during a morning foursomes match on Saturday.

Hide Caption

57 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe lines up a putt on the 16th green on Saturday.

Hide Caption

58 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Tiger Woods of the U.S. hits his tee shot on the first hole Saturday afternoon.

Hide Caption

59 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Zach Johnson of American team reacts to a putt on the 12th hole on Saturday.

Hide Caption

60 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the United States plays a bunker shot on Saturday.

Hide Caption

61 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A crowd gathers at the 17th green on day two of the competition.

Hide Caption

62 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Sergio Garcia of Europe hits the second shot on the third hole on Saturday.

Hide Caption

63 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – European fans watch the play from a golf cart during day two.

Hide Caption

64 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the United States stares down a putt on Saturday.

Hide Caption

65 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A fan of the U.S. golfers watches the action.

Hide Caption

66 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Team Europe's Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits out of the eighth hole's tee box on Saturday.

Hide Caption

67 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson of the United States drives with his wife Amy Mickelson on the 16th green.

Hide Caption

68 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Ian Poulter of Europe celebrates after holing a putt on the 12th hole Saturday.

Hide Caption

69 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Poulter and Justin Rose of Team Europe embrace after winning their match on Saturday.

Hide Caption

70 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Two U.S. fans watch the competition on Saturday.

Hide Caption

71 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Webb Simpson of the USA waits in the fifth fairway with his caddie Paul Tesori.

Hide Caption

72 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – USA fans cheer on the first tee on Saturday.

Hide Caption

73 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Golfer Justin Rose of Europe lines up a putt on the first green.

Hide Caption

74 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A fan looks at a map on Saturday.

Hide Caption

75 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – American Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot on the fourth hole as Lee Westwood of Europe looks on.

Hide Caption

76 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Graeme McDowell of Europe hits his tee shot on the first hole on Saturday.

Hide Caption

77 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Bubba Watson of the USA watches his tee shot on the second hole.

Hide Caption

78 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the USA reacts after putting on the fifth green on Saturday.

Hide Caption

79 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – A message is written in the sky in remembrance of Spanish golf legend Seve Ballesteros, who died of brain cancer last year, during day two of the competition.

Hide Caption

80 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the USA hits out of the bunker on the 16th green after defeating Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell on Friday, September 28.

Hide Caption

81 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Keegan Bradley of the USA urges a putt to drop on the 15th green during the afternoon four-ball matches.

Hide Caption

82 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, right, jumps in the air while speaking with teammate Sergio Garcia of Spain, ssecond left, on the 10th fairway on Friday.

Hide Caption

83 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Americans Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson were paired in the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday.

Hide Caption

84 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley celebrate on the 17th green with Amy Mickelson and Jillian Stacey after defeating Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell 2 and 1 during the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday.

Hide Caption

85 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy and McDowell, both of Northern Ireland, wait on the first tee on Friday afternoon.

Hide Caption

86 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy and McDowell walk across a bridge ahead of the gallery on Friday.

Hide Caption

87 of 144

Photos: Best of Ryder Cup144 photos

Best of Ryder Cup – McIlroy reacts with dismay to his shot from the 10th fairway on Friday.